Testimonials

"I believe his diligence was instrumental in reaching a very satisfactory settlement"

I was kept well informed via email communications and telephone calls throughout the proceedings. Yan was always professional in his manner and conduct, and I was especially impressed with how he handled himself during mediation and pre-trial. He was well versed on the subject matter and corrected opposing lawyer on the facts on a couple of occasions. I believe his diligence was instrumental in reaching a very satisfactory settlement.

"We highly recommend Payne Law firm"

This is by far the best courtroom lawyer I have ever dealt with. Results far exceeded expectations in a big courtoom brawl and we received everything we expected and more. In other cases we have brought to Mr. Payne over the past 10 years, he has resolved claims efficiently and effectively. his perfect court records speaks for itself. He is professional, sharp, and knowledgeable. He is honest about risk and costs and is worth every penny. We highly recommend Payne Law firm.

"Your hard work and preparation resulted in a positive outcome for us"

“I just wanted you to know how deeply grateful I am for all that you did for me. Your hard work and preparation resulted in a positive outcome for us. I have to commend you on your professionalism. I will definitely recommend you, if I ever meet anyone, who needs your kind of expertise… I give you express written permission to use my comments on your website, without any hesitation… Once again, Mr. Payne –THANK YOU for what YOU and your team achieved for me.” R. Rai, Toronto (2012)

"One of the best litigation lawyers available in Ontario"

“Mr. Payne has represented us on two occasions, once in a contentious monetary dispute and secondly in a complex matter involving formal court process. In both cases, Mr. Payne was effective and successful. I can say with absolute certainty that Mr. Payne kept costs down, removed us from unnecessary emotional involvement, and got favourable results. He has fully earned his reputation as one of the best litigation lawyers available in Ontario. If you have a monetary dispute, I fully recommend that this is the way to go and not with a general practice lawyer. Get the job done, don’t waste time, money & energy with ‘paperwork tennis’. In today’s litigious society, we are proud to have Mr. Payne there to back up our business ethically, morally, and of course financially!” Ruth Armstrong, Two-Time OHTA Leading Female Rider

Owner and Operator of Armstrong Farm

"I am more than happy with the service provided and the result"

Very professional, explained the various stages in the case and expected deadline. I was kept informed ahead of schedule to properly prepare. Any questions I had were answered in a timely manner. I was well at ease with Yan and his staff which made the process that much more stressfree. We mutually understood our respective positions and the direction to take towards positive results. I am more than happy with the service provided and the result. We set a goal, worked towards it and achieved what we set out to do. HIghly recommended.

"Yan and his firm were honest, straight forward, and frankly a pleasure to have on my side!!!"

Yan and his firm were honest, straight forward, and frankly a pleasure to have on my side!!! Many thanks to Payne Law !!! Derek P

"Even the defendants wanted him as their lawyer"

He was one that did not promise the sky but was tenacious in getting us a victory. He listened and right away gave us options that we were able to make wiser decisions. Even the defendants wanted him as their lawyer. DM

"Won my case against very experienced lawyer. I was very impressed."

Honest lawyer. Tells you like it is. Billings came in as quoted. Did not waste time and money to get the job done. Won my case against very experienced lawyer. I was very impressed. Have recommended him to family and friends. Staff is very friendly and helpful as well.Mary C

"In both cases, Mr. Payne has achieved and exceeded my expectation"

I have retained Mr. Payne firstly in 2008 to resolve a commercial dispute and secondly in 2012 to appeal for a court ruling related to the Canadian Income Tax Act. In both cases, solicitors have been retained prior to my switch to Mr. Payne. In both cases, Mr. Payne has achieved and exceeded my expectation in view of the tough and complicate adversity I have confronted. Mr. Payne proceeded on each case methodically and attentively with calm, professionalism and knowledge and my anxiety subsided immediately after my decision to switch to Mr. Payne.

"You were tenacious in getting our case won over very experienced lawyers, in a more than satisfactory manner"

We would like to let you know how grateful we are for all that you have done for us in our suit against our former employer. You were tenacious in getting our case won over very experienced lawyers, in a more than satisfactory manner. We would highly recommend you and your firm to anyone who needed your type of services. Irene and Connie.

"Hiring Payne Law for my employment dispute was the best decision I ever made"

Hiring Payne Law for my employment dispute was the best decision I have ever made. This is a very professional, organized and efficient law office. They take the time to walk you through your options and give you the best information possible. After that, they get results! Payne Law staff restored my faith that there are good ethical lawyers out there. I cannot thank them enough and I have since referred them to many of my friends and family!

"It felt like we had a whole team working diligently to secure a favourable judgement"

We hired Mr. Payne to represent us in a wrongful dismissal/breach of contract case. His rates were very reasonable and he explained the process every step of the way. All of the staff was professional, courteous and knowledgeable. After 3 years our case was heard in the Superior Court of Canada. Mr. Payne and his associates were prepared for every possible scenario that the defence could come up with and brought case law for support. It felt like we had a whole team working diligently to secure a favourable judgement. After four days of trial and testimony a large judgement was awarded in our favour. I can’t thank them enough and I would not hesitate to recommend Payne Law & Associates.

"Very thorough and knowledgeable with his work"

Very thorough and knowledgeable with his work. Keeps positive attitude and always informs his clients, keeping them up-to-date with any new information.

"We find him extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy, and that he always has our best interest in mind"

We are very pleased with Mr. Payne’s work. He has represented our company right from its incorporation through to the settlement of a shareholders’ dispute. We find him extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy, and that he always has our best interest in mind. We will always use Mr. Payne for everything we need, and would highly recommend him to anybody!

"Mr. Yan David Payne is a very professional and honest lawyer"

Mr. Yan David Payne is a very professional and honest lawyer, who took the time to discuss and inform me throughout the various stages. He resolved my matter with his knowledge and abilities for a positive outcome. He is the best, along with his friendly and helpful staff. UA

"He is competent, clever, and courteous, upfront and eloquent... we definitely wouldn't want to be on the "other side" in a dispute"

Mr. Payne represented us in a complex loan/mortgage issue that was fraught with competing interests between an estate, longstanding family friends and employer. He demonstrated skill and patience at piecing together the complex history of the matter, while cutting through emotion to the facts, in order to bring to bear his expert negotiation — resulting in a favourable conclusion to the matter that settled out of court. He knew when to push and how far, and when to settle. Mr. Payne was patient with our questions, accessible by email and phone, and his staff was friendly and responsive. We also appreciated his flexibility to meet, when necessary, after 5 o’clock. He is competent, clever, and courteous, upfront and eloquent … we definitely wouldn’t want to be on the “other side” in a dispute. We recommend The Payne Law Firm without hesitation.

"he and his associates were on time, on budget, and to my pleasant surprise very knowledgeable both on a strategic and tactical level"

David represented my corporation in 3 cases. In all 3, he and his associates were on time, on budget, and to my pleasant surprise very knowledgeable both on a strategic and tactical level. In one particular case, we laid out the groundwork to the best of our knowledge, only to show up at the court to see – by pure coincidence- another party with a claim against us present to submit a claim. The opposing lawyer jumped on this opportunity and requested to combine cases, but Mr. Payne was so well versed and mannered that he convinced the judge that this was not appropriate at the time. The judge agreed and later on we one the case. In the mean time the **** lawyer of the opposing side lost his license….

"Yan is a great negotiator and trial lawyer"

Yan is a great negotiator and trial lawyer. He delivers on his promises!

"Many thanks to Yan David Payne from Ilir Gashi"

David assisted me with a suit against my former accountant. The matter was complex but David tackled it with ease. I am very happy with the outcome and would highly recommend David to anyone else. Many thanks to Yan David Payne from Ilir Gashi.

"I highly recommend Yan David Payne"

I was very impresssed with the advise I was given. Settling my case was the best thing I could have done. I highly recommend Yan David Payne.

"I greatly appreciate your hard work and preparation which resulted in a positive outcome for me"

I greatly appreciate your hard work and preparation which resulted in a positive outcome for me. I have to commend you on your professionalism. I will definitely recommend you to people who are being mistreated, devalued, and are experiencing abuse on the job by letting them know there is a way out. Also to know there are Lawyer out there who takes a case not only for the money but also care about the client and you are one of them.God richly bless you for the GOOD work….Emma Kissei

"He is a meticulous and knowledgeable advocate and has a knack for getting his way in court"

Yan David Payne represented me in two separate disputes including a wrongful dismissal. He is a meticulous and knowledgeable advocate and has a knack for getting his way in court. I could not be happier with the result. Yan was referred to me by a family member who also obtained a positive court judgement. Thank you. Lisa, Hamilton, Ontario

"He was able to bring about a settlement which was beneficial to me"

Mr. Payne and his team dealt aggressively with my former employer. He was able to bring about a settlement which was beneficial to me. Due to his efforts,a higher portion of my legal fees were reimbursed. Mr. Payne ensured that the settlement was advantageous from a tax perspective. Lastly, due to his negotiations, he set the stage so that I should be able to collect Employment Insurance. I would recommend Mr. Payne and his team. STW Scarborough.

"We are thrilled with our representation and would highly recommend Yan and the firm of Payne Law"

Mr. Payne has advised our company on several contract and dismissal issues, which has resulted in strengthening our business. He is focused on our best interests and works toward a successful outcome. His advice has been invaluable and has always been accurate. He communicates clearly and ensures that we understand our options and the possible outcomes of each option. We are thrilled with our representation and would highly recommend Yan and the firm of Payne Law.

Mr. Payne did an exceptional job representing me and winning my case. My previous counsel worked on my case for 2 years only to advise me that she would be unable to obtain any payment from my employer. Mr. Payne was swift and was able to obtain a substantial payment from my employer without requiring a hearing. I would highly recommend him and his law firm.

"I would certainly recommend Mr. Payne with Employment Law issues"

Mr. Payne helped our company through 2 very difficult terminations. The difficulties were largely the result of poorly written contracts, which were based on the advice of an HR specialist. Mr. Payne then proceeded to rewrite our contract template to protect our company against further loss. Due to the new templates we have not had to face any further problems when dealing with terminations. I Would certainly recommend Mr. Payne with Employment Law issues. Alistair

"My experience with Mr. Payne was a rewarding one"

My experience with Mr. Payne was a rewarding one. He did his homework with very detailed steps and therefore arrived to court prepared and confident. He spent the time in being well prepared by questioning, researching, asking the right questions to the witnesses and all this resulted in winning the case. At the end the judge said: You convinced me.

"His advice was clear and concise, paving the way for a smooth transaction"

Yan was able to help me setting up a disability this was a time sensitive and complicated situation requiring a solid understanding of the requirements and legal applications. He was able to make what could have been a confusing experience simple and easy to understand. His advice was clear and concise, paving the way for a smooth transaction. I am very satisfied with the services provided and would highly recommend Yan.

"I strongly recommend you retain Yan David Payne as your lawyer before the opposing side does"

Yan David Payne demonstrates a rare legal integrity with an exceptional insight into the law; I do highly recommend retaining Payne Law for a rewarding experience no matter the intensity or complication of your case. Yan is very professional and was very honest and accurate in analyzing my wrongful dismissal case at consultation; he handled the communications, negotiations, mediation and the closure with professional ease. Yan is very dependable and resolved my case quickly and very efficiently. If you need a lawyer within his realm of expertise, I strongly recommend you retain Yan David Payne as your lawyer before the opposing side does.

"Yan is a smart and empathetic lawyer with a detailed and thorough approach"

Yan is a smart and empathetic lawyer with a detailed and thorough approach. He is not about the money. it is more important for him that he does what is best for his client.

"Mr. Payne has a good understanding of the law, good judgment"

Mr. Payne has a good understanding of the law, good judgment. He listens to the client’s needs, keeps them informed and most of all is available to the client i.e.; personalized service and last but not least he has very good people skills.

Yan Payne & his team, including Andrew Pelletier & Megan Oxenham, consistently delivered results with respect and in-depth knowledge about the law regarding my wrongful dismissal case. Their skill in advocacy, strategy, and negotiation successfully resolved my case before going to court. Their “capped rate” billing option was also very much appreciated and allowed me to access top-notched legal talent at a reasonable price. And throughout the process they stayed in touch by email or phone. I have no hesitation in recommending Yan & his team, and appreciate all their help!

"We have always been well advised and professionally represented by Mr. Payne and his firm"

I am the owner of a small family business.Our company has used the Payne Law firm’s services for negotiating and court representation for various claims. Mr.Payne has successfully handled wrongful dismissals and commercial disputes. We have always been well advised and professionally represented by Mr.Payne and his firm. TWB, Toronto

"Yan is highly skilled and possesses all the attributes of a great lawyer"

Yan helped me through a very sad and difficult family dispute. Previous resolution by other counsel was not binding and I was faced with painful and costly litigation. My emotional stress and fears were immediately calmed by Yan’s sincere interest, compassion, listening skill and his ability to suggest a solution at our first meeting. He crafted a strategy based on detailed analysis of information provided and exceptional knowledge of the law and legal protocol to be followed by other lawyers. Yan is highly skilled and possesses all the attributes of a great lawyer. Knowledge and problem solving, genuine caring attitude, excellent communication skills as a listener, mediator and advocate with superb attention to detail. He was always available – very efficient and mindful of taking action to bring about a swift conclusion. Yan was able to settle the dispute, make the old resolution binding and avoid the cost and stress of litigation. Yan David Payne is a great lawyer!

"Mr. Payne is a true professional, who is ready to go an extra mile for his client"

Mr. Payne is a true professional, who is ready to go an extra mile for his client. He handled my case with determination and accomplished everything he said he would. He promptly answered all calls and emails, and provided me with a comprehensive guidance throughout the process. He did not charge me for time spent dealing with the 3rd party, which was required due to apparent incompetence at their office. Overall my experience was positive and I satisfied with the quality of the service and the results. Sincerely, Lily

"My case was resolved in a short time with excellent results"

Mr. Payne was up front with both costs and expectations. He was compassionate courteous and professional. My case was resolved in a short time with excellent results. Calls, emails and questions were answered in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend him.

"My case was resolved in a short time with excellent results."

Mr. Payne was up front with both costs and expectations. He was compassionate, courteous and professional. My case was resolved in a short time with excellent results. Calls, emails, and questions were answered in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend him.

"Thanks for shed little candle light on me"

Law is as good as dark room where the lawyer’s argument is a candle light. Thanks for shed a little light on me. Kind Regards, J.K.

"Your professionalism and the compassionate way you represented us will forever be a highlight in my life"

Dearest Karen: You are simple put, extraordinary! Your professionalism and the compassionate way you represented us will forever be a highlight in my life. We could not have done this without you and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve copied info@paynelaw.ca in the hope that this email will reach Yan so I can thank him with every fibre of my being for taking our case and providing us with exceptional legal representation. Forever grateful and appreciative, Debora Crew

Our Team

Payne Law lawyers have been retained to lead a variety of litigation cases. Our court lawyers have represented clients before various courts, boards, tribunals and appeals all dealing with various disputes including wrongful and constructive dismissal, human rights applications, Canada Labour Code proceedings, tax disputes, defamation actions, EI appeals, and complex appeal proceedings, among others.

The consistent focus of our practice is dispute resolution. 98% of our cases settle well ahead of formal hearing. Where an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, our professionals thrive in trial and appeal settings.

Our Team

Yan David Payne, B.A.(Hons), LL.B. articled at a highly-respected civil litigation boutique in Toronto. He later headed the litigation division of a commercial and tax litigation firm in Toronto, taking on full responsibility for important cases and successfully taking numerous cases to trial and to appeal over the years that followed. Ultimately, Mr. Payne’s drive, work ethic and successes led colleagues and clients alike to follow him to his private practice, which was founded in 2005/2006. He has acted as principal and mentor to articling students and to new lawyers over the years. Mr. Payne has been retained to lead a variety of litigation cases. He has represented clients in tax matters, defamation actions, wrongful and constructive dismissal matters, human rights, commercial disputes, contentious estate litigation, and complex appeal proceedings, among others. Mr. Payne has been appointed by the Superior Court of Ontario as Independent Supervising Counsel and has advised and represented a broad range of clients from individual employees to established corporations, from small and medium-sized businesses to domestic, foreign, national and international organizations, from the chief of police, top ranked athletes, university professors, the Mayor of a major Canadian City, to court officials, professional regulatory and insurance bodies, as well as other professionals including lawyers, accountants, and doctors. He has been assigned to mediate and arbitrate a broad range of disputes. Mr. Payne has an outstanding trial and appeal record including numerous widely-reported cases. For example, see the precedent-setting unanimous Ontario Court of Appeal decision of Rausch v. Pickering (City) 2013 ONCA 740 which recognized, for the first time, a duty of care upon a municipality and its by-law officers in the enforcement of by-laws. In Loyst v. Chatten’s Better Hearing Service 2012 ONSC 1653, Mr. Payne secured an impressive wrongful dismissal award for lost wages equal to a 29-month period plus a 15% ownership interest in the company for a total award of $256,902.93 (the decision was unanimously upheld by the Ontario Court of Appeal, see Loyst v. Chatten’s Better Hearing Service, 2013 ONCA 781). In Osinski v. Her Majesty the Queen 2013 TCC 71, Mr. Payne defeated the Canada Revenue Agency and the Department of Justice, overturning $3.8 Million+ in taxes, penalties, and interest in favour of taxpayer. In the recent 2017 case Her Majesty the Queen v. M. S., 1211 998 16 361300, Mr. Payne was able to secure an Order for the withdrawal of 20 tax evasion charges against an accountant and for the return of all seized property. Please visit our Reported Cases section to review numerous other court victories secured by senior member of the bar, Yan David Payne.

Hashim Syed, B.Comm, J.D., graduated law school in 2008 and has since been called to the bar in both Ontario and in the U.S. He earned a 3-year scholarship, and a certificate of merit for achieving the highest grade in advanced legal research. Over the past 9 years, he has developed extensive litigation experience before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Divisional Court, Ontario Superior Court, Ontario Court of Justice, Tax Court of Canada, as well as various tribunals, all in addition to US State Courts. He has been retained to handle a broad range of commercial, tax, and civil litigation matters including conflict of laws, international and domestic contract disputes, shareholder disputes, employment disputes, and estate litigation, involving amounts ranging upwards of $15,000,000.00 in value. He recently successfully handled wrongful dismissal trials (including recently securing a $75,000.00 monetary award plus costs of $35,000.00 for employee, despite employer having cause for termination – see Grossi v. Premier Salons Ltd., 2014 ONSC 5028), tax appeals and hearings (for example, Tax Court Judgement reversing $546,000.00 tax assessment in HST collection dispute – see formal Judgement – February 2016, and Tax Court of Canada Judgement in Lesner v. Her Majesty the Queen: Income Tax Judgment Dated August 5, 2014 (Heard July 18, 2014)), and commercial disputes at various levels of court including Superior Court and appellate court. See August 24, 2016 Superior Court decision in Ramos v. Can-Med Pharma Inc., 2016 ONSC 5363 wherein Mr. Syed obtained an Order dismissing an Application brought by out-of-country Applicant for failure to post security for costs. See also Divisional Court judgement quashing an unfounded appeal before it can be heard, thus saving client time and cost and obtaining full indemnity cost award of $25,337.10 – Judgement of Justice Kiteley entered Jun 2014. Recently, Mr. Syed obtained a rare and extraordinary Order for costs as against a client’s former lawyer – see Exceptional Order for Costs to Be Paid By Previous Lawyer – Sep.29.17. He is familiar with customs in Arabic and Japanese, conversational French, and a basic understanding of Hindi and Urdu.

Karen J. Sanchez, B.A., J.D., articled and began practicing law at a well-established and well-respected boutique firm and she became a contributing member of that practice, eventually handling a broad range of litigation cases. Over the past 5+ years, Ms. Sanchez has handled a broad range of court and appellate cases including court victories at Superior Court and at the highest appellate court in the Province. See, for example, General Electric Canada Real Estate Financing Holding Co. v. Liberty Assisted Living Inc., 2013 ONCA 119 where she was successful in overturning a lower court decision. See also successful motion staying summary judgement and obtaining security for costs: Talisman v. Kyser, 2013 ONSC 6612. She has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, before various boards and tribunals (including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Toronto Police Services Disciplinary Tribunal, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Ontario Disability Support Program, the Human Rights Tribunal, and Ontario Works) and she has worked on Supreme Court of Canada appellate litigation. Ms. Sanchez has the ability to attract media spotlight as was the case recently when she represented 10 applicants at the Human Rights Tribunal (watch Ms. Sanchez and applicants interviewed by CBC and Global News and read more about the front-page news in the Toronto Star and CBC Online) and read Decision of Human Rights Tribunal Adjudicator D. Sanderson obtained by Ms. Sanchez in favour of diverse group of applicants before the Human Rights Tribunal as well as updated March 9, 2016 Toronto Star article reporting on the win. Ms. Sanchez is focused on delivering results in all manner of disputes including employment, human rights, commercial, estates, and tax disputes through focused negotiations, court motions, trials, and appeals. Her academic credentials are excellent including being on the Dean’s Honour Roll and graduating Cum Laude prior to being called to the Ontario bar. Ms. Sanchez is also fluent in Spanish.

Megan Oxenham, B.A., is the firm’s office manager and senior litigation clerk. No stranger to conflict resolution, Ms. Oxenham brings her Bay Street firm experience and her background as Special Assistant to the Premier of Ontario to the Payne Law team. She has been a valued member of the team since 2006.

Janice Ly started working in the legal field in 2009. She is an accredited law clerk having obtained her diploma from Seneca College’s Law Clerk Program. She is fluent in English and also understands Cantonese.

The above does not constitute legal advice and is for information only. Should you require legal advice, please contact us to arrange a comprehensive in-person consultation or feel free to start with the free online consultation form.

Recent Judgements

September 19, 2017 - Firm litigator Yan David Payne secures withdrawal of all 20 Income Tax Act charges against accountant following pre-trial conference. Crown also consents to return of all items seized. See attached Ontario Court of Justice Order: Order Withdrawing All Charges and For Return of All Items Seized - September 19, 2017...

September 29, 2017 - Firm litigator Hashim Syed obtains Cost Judgement against client\'s former lawyer\'s use of improper procedures. See Exceptional Order for Costs to Be Paid By Previous Lawyer - Sep.29.17...

Firm pursues interests of 10 applicants before the Human Rights Tribunal and succeeds. Watch Firm Litigator Karen Sanchez and applicants interviewed by the CBC and Global News and read Front Page article in the Toronto Star and article in CBC News online. See 88-page Decision of Adjudicator D. Sanderson (88pgs) including a requirement to post the decision continuously for 6 months, send a notice of the decision to all members, and pay $30,0...

Firm litigator Hashim Syed succeeds in quashing Appeal proceeding before it can be heard on its merits. Successful Divisional Court motion to quash avoids time and cost of full hearing and nets rare Full Indemnity cost award of $25,337.10 plus interest in favour of client: Judgement of Justice Kiteley entered Jun 2014...

Lawyer Yan David Payne takes over carriage of case and succeeds at the Ontario Court of Appeal establishing new law. Court unanimously overturns Divisional Court panel and recognizes client\'s right to sue municipality and by-law officers for negligence and permits claim to proceed: \"It is in everyone\'s interest that by-laws not be enforced in an \'unconstrained manner\'\" Rausch v. Pickering (City), 2013 ONCA 740. \r\n...

Lawyers Yan David Payne and Hashim Syed take over file from Bay Street firm and lead charge in 3-day court motion culminating in full victory against senior members of Ontario bar appointed by professional liability insurers. Superior Court rejects attempt by Client\'s former lawyer and former accountants to derail $12 Million negligence lawsuit. Bahl v. Cadesky and Associates and Barry Seltzer, Court Docket Number: 04-CV-272445 CM2, Motion Do...

\r\n\r\n\r\nYan David Payne secures unanimous Ontario Court of Appeal decision confirming $256,902.93 Wrongful Dismissal Trial Judgement plus costs of trial and appeal and interest. Court awards compensation for lost wages over a 29 month period and a 15{2f55cc9567fca0251bd3d2ce3b4d33f0c5542bdf1bc1f3b4c6e8eed9516912e3} ownership interest in company to this former manager. See Ontario Court of Appeal Decision. See also lower court decision: Loyst v. Chatten\'s Better Hearing Service, Court File No...

Other News

Yan David Payne has been featured in and consulted by major national television networks and newspapers including CBC and the Star. Mr. Payne primary lawyer featured in law review article in Saturday edition of the Toronto Star, following in-depth interview